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The term psyllium is used interchangeably for the seed husk, the seed and the plant. Psyllium seed husk is comprised primarily of xylans. Xylans are polysaccharides built from the five-carbon sugar D-xylose. Xylans in psyllium seed husk occur in association with cellulose. The soluble fiber derived from psyllium seed husk is also known as psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid, psyllium hydrocolloid and psyllium seed gum. It is a white to cream-colored, slightly granular powder with a slight acid taste.
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Introduction
Psyllium is a low-growing herb native to India, Iran, and Pakistan. It is in the same family as the common Plantain.
Psyllium may help with weight loss control.
Psyllium is a wonderful bulking fiber for constipation. Another benefit of psyllium husk is that it reduces fecal incontinence.
Psyllium helps maintain healthy cholesterol and blood lipid levels. In 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the use of a health claim in the labeling of foods and dietary supplements containing psyllium husk. The health claim states that diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include soluble fiber per day from psyllium may reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol.
Psyllium may help maintain healthy blood pressure.
Psyllium added to a traditional diet for persons with type II diabetes is safe, well tolerated, and improves glycemic and lipid control.
Psyllium reduces radiation-induced diarrhea.
Psyllium could be helpful for hemorrhoids since it softens the stools.
Psyllium fiber is best taken in a dose of 1 to 5 grams with a meal, particularly if the meal has a low fiber content. You can mix half a teaspoon or a teaspoon of psyllium fiber with a glass of water, once or twice a day. I also recommend drinking a glass of water in the morning when you wake up.
Constituents
Ascorbic acid, aucubin, beta-carotene, beta-sitosterol, calcium, chromium, cobalt, fiber, linoleic acid, magnesium, manganese, mucilage, niacin, oleic acid, oxalic acid, phosphorous, potassium, riboflavin, selenium, sodium, stigmasterol, thiamine, tin, zinc. The seed has less fiber than the husk but a wide range of nutrients the husks do not.
Parts Used
Whole Seed.
Typical Preparations
Ground seed, always taken with at least two-thirds cup (approximately 150 ml) of water. If not grinding, soak in warm water for 2 to 6 hours before use. May also be taken as an extract and sometimes as a capsule, though rare.
Summary
The authoritative Complete German Commission E Monographs states that psyllium seed can be used to treat: "Chronic constipation; disorders in which easy bowel movements with a loose stool are desirable, e.g., in patients with anal fissures, hemorrhoids, following anal/rectal surgery; during pregnancy; as a secondary medication in the treatment of various kinds of diarrhea and in the treatment of irritable bowel."
The question most frequently asked about psyllium is, how can the same herb treat both constipation and diarrhea? The answer is that psyllium regulates the amount of time waste matter takes to transit the colon. In diarrhea, the fibers in psyllium absorb excess fluid and slow down movement through the colon. In constipation, the same fibers add volume to the stool and make it easier to pass through the colon.
Research studies show that psyllium seed is more useful than wheat bran for treating constipation caused by irritable bowel syndrome. The dosage of psyllium seed required to treat the condition is half the dosage of wheat bran, and psyllium results in less bloating and more frequent bowel movement.
Psyllium seed has certain advantages over psyllium husk. It contains a range of nutrients the husk does not. Having less pectin, it degrades more slowly in the digestive tract, releasing acetates and butyrates that may protect the lining of the colon from mutations that lead to colon cancer. It does not, however, relieve constipation as quickly as psyllium husk.
Psyllium products reduce appetite. By bulking the stool, the relieve pain caused by ulcerative colitis and reduce the frequency of fecal incontinence.
Precautions
Never take both psyllium and a stimulant laxative (senna, rhubarb, buckthorn, cascara sagrada, frangula, or an over-the-counter stimulant laxative such as Ex-Lax). The fibers in psyllium interfere with absorption of nutrients (especially vitamin B12) and medications, so take psyllium at least 2 hours before or after eating or taking supplements or medications.
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